Wednesday, December 14, 2016

a European starling, part of a murmuration that passed through this afternoon

So far today I've decorated a wreath and made bunting from old Christmas cards. Some of the bits and pieces above will be sewn onto fabric tree ornaments I'm making for my niece. The creative bug has come a bit late this year, but at last it's arrived.

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

While Tim went home to Pennsylvania for Thanksgiving, I stayed in Utah. I read a lot, did some baking, cuddled with our kitten, went for long walks, and broke out the Christmas decorations. After buying a new tree at Target for a ridiculous $16.00 (no kidding), I put on the holiday music and went to work. Here are a few photos:

A Belleek Pottery ornament Tim and I bought while in Ireland a few years ago. It is so gorgeous and simple.

A few Big Sky ornaments from my collection. These make me smile every time I look at them.

A greeting card I picked up at Trader Joe's and decided to frame. They have the cutest cards, Christmas or any time. Who wouldn't love to receive this fox with his adorable scarf and warm hat? The artist is Rebecca Jones.

I have so many memories attached to this time of year, and it's always fun to relive them while decorating. This little heart ornament came from a Christmas market in Vienna, Austria. The woman behind the booth was very fun and creative. The next photo shows her wares.

With a kitten in the house, I decided to display these on a pretty platter rather than risk putting them on the tree. These were gifted to me by a very kind and generous woman having a garage sale a few years back. She was so happy to pass them on to someone who would appreciate them.

Most of these ornaments were gifts, as are many others on our tree. The tartan Scottie dog is a new addition this year, thanks to Tim's auntie, uncle and cousins.

That little stocking is for Miss Penny. Santa never forgets the kitty in our house.

My mom gave these stained-glass ornaments to me last year. They were part of her holiday decorating for decades so they're quite meaningful to me.

Nothing so darling as a chubby moose on skis

UK candy booty Tim brought home - gifts from his family from Scotland who were also visiting his parents. It may take us a bit to get through all of this!